Question about AT&T hotspot...

[Skyline]

I've seen number of windows stickers with the optional "WI-FI HOTSPOT" removed, like this:

Just curious what it actually does/mean:

1. does it remove the AT&T 4G SIM card?
2. Does it just disable the Wi-Fi hotspot?

The owner of the vehicle can/allowed to manage the hotspot, on the surface it seems that the SIM card is removed. It's doubtful that Ford/AT&T is utilizing eSIM and/or programmable SIM.

Thx...

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[Hardening2753]

I've seen number of windows stickers with the optional "WI-FI HOTSPOT" removed, like this:

Just curious what it actually does/mean:

1. does it remove the AT&T 4G SIM card?
2. Does it just disable the Wi-Fi hotspot?

The owner of the vehicle can/allowed to manage the hotspot, on the surface it seems that the SIM card is removed. It's doubtful that Ford/AT&T is utilizing eSIM and/or programmable SIM.

Thx...

If they just remove the SIM that an easy fix. Assuming we know where the hot spot is in the truck

 

[Darnon]

It still has a connection to AT&T. That's used for the two-way telematics communication with Ford that allows data collection/FordPass.

What's non-present is the functionality as a router for that data transmission access to other devices.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

IIRC, it just does what it says - it removes the hotspot capability. This was done to speed up orders delayed by a shortage of chipsets needed to offer Wi-Fi Hotspot subscription to the vehicle owner.

Unless eSIM, the SIM would not be removed, in order for Ford to still send out vehicle software updates OTA via AT&T, and for remote start via the app, "tracking" purposes, etc.

 

[Traegorn]

Yeah, the modem is there, the wifi router is gone.

I was under the impression that they just took out the feature altogether for 2023, since my sticker doesn't even mention the removal (and I don't have it)

 

[MakinDoForNow]

I've seen number of windows stickers with the optional "WI-FI HOTSPOT" removed, like this:

Just curious what it actually does/mean:

1. does it remove the AT&T 4G SIM card?
2. Does it just disable the Wi-Fi hotspot?

The owner of the vehicle can/allowed to manage the hotspot, on the surface it seems that the SIM card is removed. It's doubtful that Ford/AT&T is utilizing eSIM and/or programmable SIM.

Thx...

I believe that the chip shortage of the chip that was used to allow sharing of Fords data connection caused the WiFi deletion. $20 was most likely a figure that Ford felt would work out best in most buyers eyes.

 

[Skyline]

I believe that the chip shortage of the chip that was used to allow sharing of Fords data connection caused the WiFi deletion. $20 was most likely a figure that Ford felt would work out best in most buyers eyes.

Thx...

Yeah, that what Ford felt, those greedy .... A basic Wi-Fi hotspot, a.k.a broadband router with firewall, even for cars probably runs 2-3 more than the deducted 20 bucks, but I didn't check.

After a little venting...

My actual window stickers did not have it deducted, nor it is listed anywhere on the windows sticker. Getting the SIM card's ESN number is hard. On mine first it complains that the engine is not running and then when the engine is started, it just displays blank after awhile:

I would've been happy, if it just tells me where it is...

Thx everyone...

 

[Montana]

I had this on a Tacoma. In order to activate it on a new vehicle, you have to call them to remove the old one. I was just testing it since it was included, and never once used it. Then again, I don't use XM either... But just be warned the service is a PITA to transfer even if you get a new vehicle with a free trial for it. They have a "remove vehicle" option, but it forces you to call them.

Don't waste your time registering for this junk.

 

[RonFLA]

I remember watching the Ford Video Guy or reading a post that described the AT&T hardware as two different units.

One being a slower 2/3G telemetry modem that is used strictly by Ford for the purposes of Diagnostics, OTA Updates, Ford Connect features, and all the ubiquitous Data mining.

The second one is 4G and has a built-in wi-fi modem capable of hot-spotting up to 10 devices. This unit was omitted due to AT&T having delivery delays in the manufacturing process, AKA “Chip Shortages”.

With 5G being the current protocol frequency, I don’t think we are missing much, as it’s quickly becoming obsolescent technology.

 

[Darnon]

I remember watching the Ford Video Guy or reading a post that described the AT&T hardware as two different units.

One being a slower 2/3G telemetry modem that is used strictly by Ford for the purposes of Diagnostics, OTA Updates, Ford Connect features, and all the ubiquitous Data mining.

It can't be 3G as carriers shut down that band last year.

 

[huunvubu]

No loss for me not having the expensive 4G hotspot capability ($25 per month subscription) as my free (no additional cost) Hotspot on my Motorola G7 phone does exactly the same.

 

[commadorebob]

Yeah, that what Ford felt, those greedy .... A basic Wi-Fi hotspot, a.k.a broadband router with firewall, even for cars probably runs 2-3 more than the deducted 20 bucks, but I didn't check.

When one buys at quantities of 1,000,000, one likely gets a bit of a discount.

I'm curious if their removal refund (which I see on mine) is limited to the upper trims. Did the XL/XLT even have the hotspot to begin with?

 

[RonFLA]

I'm curious if their removal refund (which I see on mine) is limited to the upper trims. Did the XL/XLT even have the hotspot to begin with?

Yes, all trim levels originally came with the 4G hotspot router/modem.

 

[Zarth]

Yeah, the modem is there, the wifi router is gone.

I was under the impression that they just took out the feature altogether for 2023, since my sticker doesn't even mention the removal (and I don't have it)

I have the 2023 XLT Lux with the WI-FI not removed. I am actually using it to reply to this post. Must be a hit or miss item for the 2023 MY.

 

[Traegorn]

I have the 2023 XLT Lux with the WI-FI not removed. I am actually using it to reply to this post. Must be a hit or miss item for the 2023 MY.

There are a lot of weird inconsistencies. Like whether the Lux package has two USB-C ports in the back seat or one USB-A and one USB-C

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